Lest Ye Forget

Whether you are inspired by valiant soldiers like Paul Bennett - the only Great War VC born in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England - or by passionate pacifists like Arthur Trussler - imprisoned for refusing to fight - Stroud has a story to tell about the Great War. The Stroud News reported the war week by week with vigour and enthusiasm. Alongside reports of recruitment activity, death, destruction, memorial services, a smattering of military funerals for those dying in the valleys and gossip from soldiers at the front or at home the paper provides a key source of information about the local fight against the "Hun". Following the end of the war the Stroud News published a book which uses those reports to provide a weekly summary of the progress of the war alongside a listing by parish of those who volunteered for service before conscription and those who paid the "supreme sacrifice". It is a fascinating record which helps us to understand the local impact of the First World War. In "Lest Ye Forget" Chas Townley reprints "The Stroud District and its part in the Great War" with a modern introduction and information on a small selection of people who are remembered from the time.